Cephalexin vs Vancomycin

## Cephalexin vs Vancomycin: Overview

This comparison examines the pharmacological differences between **Cephalexin** and **Vancomycin**.

## Mechanism of Action

**Cephalexin**: First-generation cephalosporin inhibiting cell wall synthesis.

**Vancomycin**: Glycopeptide antibiotic inhibiting cell wall synthesis by binding D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of peptidoglycan precursors.

## Pharmacokinetics

**Half-life**: Cephalexin — 0.5-1.2 hours; Vancomycin — 4-6 hours.

## Chemical Properties

**Molecular Formula**: Cephalexin — C16H17N3O4S; Vancomycin — C66H75Cl2N9O24.

**Molecular Weight**: Cephalexin — 347.3890 g/mol; Vancomycin — 1449.2500 g/mol.

**Type**: Cephalexin — Small molecule; Vancomycin — Small molecule.